Here on 4th & Blog, I try my best to cover the NFL without bias. Sometimes I fail, but I do make an effort to hide the fact that I love certain teams and hate other teams. However when it comes to being passionate about a sport (which is why I’m here in the first place) those feelings are going to come out occasionally. I don’t mean to offend your favourite team or your favourite player… unless it is Jay Cutler. He sucks. Throw rocks at him.

If he tried to throw them back at you, you’d probably be safe. Odds are they would be intercepted before they hit you.

(Derp)

Having gotten my obligatory Cutler bashing out of the way, I should point out in the interest of full disclosure that I hate the Baltimore Ravens. They are my least favourite NFL team (settle down Titans, you’re not far behind) and I openly and aggressively root against them every Sunday… or Monday… any day of the week, really.

I’m not going to get into specifics why, but the fact that I’m good friends with “El Pittsburgh Luchador” plays a part.

(He had a tough day yesterday)

Although I think Ray Rice is an incredible running back and Ed Reed is one of the greatest safeties every to play in the NFL, I still loathe me some Ravens, so I was eagerly anticipating the New England Patriots ripping them a new one last night on “Football Night in America”.

But then tragedy struck one of the Ravens players, and the respect I had for his courage and fortitude eclipsed my desire to see his team fail.

Just after midnight on Saturday, Baltimore wide receiver Torrey Smith was notified that his younger brother had died in a motorcycle crash. Smith left the team hotel at 2 am after receiving the news to be with his family.

Smith was understandably listed as doubtful for the Ravens Sunday night game, but mere hours after finding out about his brother, he decided to suit up for his team and play.

Did he ever.

A pre-game moment of silence for his brother started what had to be the most difficult night of Smith’s career. However, it didn’t take long for him to leave his mark on the game when Ravens QB Joe Flacco threw a bomb to Smith that was caught in the end zone for a touchdown.

Or was it?

The replacement referees, who have been maligned since kickoff in week 1, had thrown a flag on the play. It looked to be a possible case of “Offensive Pass Interference” against Smith which would negate the touchdown and make the “Reflacements” look like inhuman, emotionless monsters.

(Also known as going “full Belichick”)

After a brief discussion between the refs (where I can only assume they unanimously decided they wanted to leave the stadium in one piece) the penalty flag was picked up and it was announced that there was no foul on the play, and that Smith’s touchdown would stand.

The fans in Baltimore erupted for the second year wideout. I can only imagine the venomous reaction they would have had if the touchdown was called back. In my mind, Torrey Smith could have done any of the following offenses on the play, and I’d still support a touchdown call:

– Holding

– Pass interference

– Facemasking

– Horse collar tackle

– Cross checking

– Shanking

– Camel Clutch

(I don’t see a penalty here, do you? Didn’t think so)

The bittersweet moment had me thrilled for the guy, and I found myself in a strange position. I was openly cheering for the Ravens. Smith finished his commendable performance with six catches for 127 yards and TWO touchdowns as the Ravens defeated the Patriots 31-30 in a game that was filled with controversy.

I’m not going to discuss that here, this article is to recognize an athlete who went out with the heaviest of hearts, played like an all-star and helped his team get a crucial win. The team in question isn’t important and won’t stop me from admiring one of the most emotional performances I’ve ever seen in the NFL.

Torrey Smith, 4th & Blog salutes you sir. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Hug someone today, peeps. You never know when tragedy will strike.

You can follow j.Bow on twitter (@jBowmancouver). Next week he goes back to hating the Ravens, but will remain a fan of Torrey Smith.

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